AAOKH communities are unique

Each AAOKH community has differences in geography, climate, and culture that are expressed in recorded observations. Additionally, individual observers bring unique perspectives, knowledge, and experiences to bear in their observations.

Included in this community profile section are introductions to each of the current AAOKH Observers as well as a seasonal round showing timing of seasonal important harvest activities and ice cycles based on what each observer considers “normal” for their community. Having an understanding of the timing of ice cycles and harvest activities can assist with interpreting the recorded observations in the AAOKH database.

AAOKH observers at the 2024 Annual Meeting. Left to right: Guy Omnik, Billy Adams, Joe Leavitt, Bobby Schaeffer, Carla SimsKayotuk.

How do AAOKH observers contribute to understanding?

We support Iñupiat observers in communities across coastal Arctic Alaska. AAOKH observers provide daily-weekly observations about holistic environmental conditions, such as sea ice, landscape, wildlife, weather and community activities. Some observers also utilize scientific instruments provided by AAOKH to regularly collect sea ice, snow, and oceanographic measurements.

Based on guidance from AAOKH observers who know where these observations should be applied, we have developed specific observing priorities to capture environmental conditions and events that are important for regional priorities. These priorities include:

• Unusual conditions or situations
• Timing of seasonal events and cycles (freeze-up, break-up)
• Wildlife and subsistence
• observations to support co-management
• Extreme weather and storm events
• Ocean, snow, and sea ice conditions
• Landscape change (permafrost, vegetation change)

Learn more about AAOKH observers and their communities